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Four U.S. Wrestlers set to take part in Golden Grand Prix Final, June 27-29

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by Elizabeth Wiley

Four top U.S. wrestlers will compete in Baku, Azerbaijan at the Golden Grand Prix Final, June 27-29.

Representing the U.S. are Greco-Roman wrestlers Joe Betterman of New York AC at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Cheney Haight of New York AC at 74 kg/163 lbs. Michael Martinez of Cowboy WC will compete at 55 kg/121 lbs. in men's freestyle and Jessica Medina of New York AC is expected to take part at 51 kg/112.25 lbs. on the women's side.

Greco-Roman competition will take place on June 27, followed by women's freestyle on June 28 and men's freestyle on June 29.

Prize money will be awarded to the top placers in each weight class. Champions earn $5,000, silver medalists are awarded $3,000, and third place finishers will receive $2,000.

Betterman was a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials champion at 60 kg, but the U.S. did not qualify the weight class for the Olympic Games.

Haight just missed making the Olympic Team after losing in the Championship Series at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials to T.C. Dantzler of the Gator WC.

Martinez and Medina also competed at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for wrestling. Martinez competes for the University of Wyoming, whiles Medina wrestles for University of the Cumberlands.

The team leader for the U.S. delegation is Paul Kieblesz of New York, N.Y.

Golden Grand Prix Final roster:

Women's freestyle:
51 kg/112.25 lbs. - Jessica Medina, Pomona, Calif. (New York AC)

Men's freestyle:
55 kg/121 lbs. - Michael Martinez, Pagosa Springs, Colo. (Cowboy Wrestling Club)

Greco-Roman:
60 kg/132 lbs. - Joe Betterman, Chicago, Ill. (New York AC)
74 kg/163 lbs. - Cheney Haight, Orem, Utah (New York AC)

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